Names That Mean Basque

Mari enjoyed some mid-century popularity as a nicknameish version of Mary, but now deserves a second look as a multicultural classic. Mari is the name of the Basque goddess of fertility and weather and is also, for unrelated reasons, popular in Norway. The biggest problem with the potentially-lovely Mari will be getting people to say it the way you want. While some Europeans pronounce it as Marie, that will only confuse things more. Better to make it its own individual name by pronouncing it MAH-ree. As one commenter pointed out, in Estonian the name is not a Mary variation but means "berry" – all the more reason for us to like it!

This nickname was given often enough as a standalone to land it in the Top 1000 from 2010—2013.

Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

Nayara or Naiara is a Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.

A cross between Ian and a group of atomic particles.

A nickname for Bella or Isabella, from Isabelita.

You may be more familiar with Jimena, the feminization of this name. Jimeno is just as upbeat and attractive — we'd love to see more parents embrace this rarity. It was given to fewer than five baby boys in the last year on record.